Marquette - Direct Entry Master's??

lcr499 · Mar 26, 2011

it depends on your program. they "say" there are only a certain number of spots for each post-RN phase program... but it seems like everyone has gotten their first choice this year.

this semester the acute care PNP group had 10 DE's who wanted the specialty, and there were only 8 spots. they let all the students pursue the AC-PNP specialty, but warned that it may take us longer to graduate because they might not be able to fill preceptorships as quickly as the students would be ready.

i'm not sure if it is the same for all of the specialties, but i honestly don't know a single person out of our cohort that didn't get what they wanted. i don't think the midwifery students have had a meeting yet though, so i'll keep you posted with what happens.

Nat_Sta · Mar 26, 2011

Thanks for replying!

So once you get accepted to your chosen specialty they can't say that there are no spots after you complete RN portion? I just don't want to end up with something other than what i chose.

I applied for Midwife program, I still have not heard anything from them. What about you?

koala.lou · Apr 4, 2011

Hey, everyone!

This is so silly, but I am trying to figure this out and I don't see if explicityly stated anywhere on Marquette's site-

at the end of the DE MSN phase, are students licensed to practice as Nurse Practitioners?

Thanks!

Nat_Sta · Apr 4, 2011

Hey Koala, after the DE MSN phase you are eligible to take the certification exam, and after you pass it, you can practice as an NP.

The only minus in this program is that after completion of the RN phase, they do not guarantee your first choice of the specialty, and you can only work as an RN in the state of wisconsin.

koala.lou · Apr 5, 2011

Thanks for the info!

I'm trying to choose between Marquette and Simmons and really struggling! They are both great programs!

For those of you who are in the program- any insight?! =)

tulip34 · Apr 5, 2011

I called and they said that the third wave of acceptances is coming at the end of the month via email and rejections via regular mail.
Does anyone know how this whole system with "we don't guarantee your first choice of concentration after you receive your RN license" work? So for instance, if I apply now for Midwife and they accept me, does this mean that after I complete the first year of DEP they can tell me that there is no spaces and i have to go into some other field?

I've been accepted to the 13th cohort as a midwifery applicant and asked the same question of one of the faculty. She let me know that they take all applicants' first choice specialties into consideration as they are evaluating applications, and don't accept more students for one specialty than they can accommodate. The only way that you would not be admitted to your first choice specialty is if you don't perform well academically during the 15-mo. pre-MSN phase. This faculty member was referring specifically to the midwifery option, but I'm sure the same goes for the other specialties as well.

tulip34 · Apr 5, 2011

Im a DE-c12 student. Im not in the midwifery concentration but from what i hear it will take you about 4 years total. how the program works is you do the first 15months and about 8 months in then you apply for your specialty and go from there.
almost all of the specialty will take this long especially the acute care track because the college will force you to go part time so you get experience before you graduate. let me know if you have any more questions.

thanks for your response! when you are searching for a job while in the MSN phase, does the college of nursing help you find work? are there many people who have trouble finding work as an RN? when they do begin work, is it usually work in their specialty area (eg, future midwives work as an RN in labor & delivery, etc.?) i appreciate your help!

Bree124, BSN, RN · May 23, 2011

Tulip34-

When you are searching for a job while in the MSN phase, does the college of nursing help you find work?

No. You will need to search out job openings and apply on your own.

Are there many people who have trouble finding work as an RN?

No. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to find a job in your area of interest, or even in an acute setting such as a hospital. This really depends on how long you are willing to search for a job, as well as what hours you are willing to take. L&D is particularly hard to get into as a new grad, but I am unaware of anyone in the Milwaukee area who was truly unable to find a job as an RN after diligently searching (AKA, not just applying to three day positions and then saying they are unable to find a job :)).

When they do begin work, is it usually work in their specialty area (eg, future midwives work as an RN in labor & delivery, etc.?)

This really depends on what is available when you apply. I was fortunately able to find an L&D job right after finishing the undergrad DE portion of the program. Others have had to take jobs in med/surg or LTC to get some experience, and then apply to their area of interest (ICU, L&D) after working for a year or more.

If you have more specific questions about the midwifery program at MU, please PM me - I am more than willing to answer.